Street Department Needs More Cash to Replenish Salt Supply

The street department’s salt supply is ready for a refill after a long and

“We had a horrendous winter last year, 43 snow storms,” said Chuck Novak, street department director.

At Monday night’s Cuyahoga Falls City Council committee meeting, Novak told Council the department needs additional funds to buy salt in advance before the price per ton goes up.

In 2011, the department worked within a budget of $302,504. Novak said the budget varies each year and for the upcoming 2011-2012 winter season, he needs an additional $270,000 to purchase 7,000 tons.

“Usually we like to fill our salt barns and have them full,” Novak said.

Novak said he recorded a snowfall total of 107.5 inches this year, the highest he’s seen during the past six years.

The street department is still cleaning up the mess of potholes left behind.

“Pothole patching continues,” Novak said. “It was difficult because of all the rain this spring. The main pothole season runs December thru end of May. We filled 9,030 potholes this past season compared to 5,304 last year.”

City Council is expected to vote on moving the money requested from the General Fund at its next regular meeting.